Saido Berahino is back to his brilliant best for West Brom – and Baggies fans should enjoy him while they can.

Because his captain and manager both acknowledge the former England Under-21 will soon achieve his goal of playing for a top-four club.

Berahino , 22, netted a superb volley in this Premier League classic . But his relationship at the Hawthorns is a short-term marriage of convenience between an ambitious striker and a canny club who know his true value.

Skipper Darren Fletcher said: “He’s hungry to do well for us between now and the end of the season. It’s good to see him fit and showing what a good player he is, he’s a talented player and you want to see people like that do well for West Brom – and go on and do well, if that’s the case.”

Boss Tony Pulis acknowledged “the rollercoaster” of his transfer saga will start again this summer after failed bids from Tottenham and Newcastle.

Close: Pulis says he has a good relationship with the wantaway striker (Image: Getty Images)

Berahino will then only have one year left on his contract. But his public apology to club and fans before this breathtaking win saw him start a new chapter in his young career.

Pulis said: “His mind is clear and he is set on his football again.

“He’s not had that swagger back in all the games, but he did against Palace. If he plays half the season now like he did today everybody will start talking about him. He is not a bad lad, I have been round to his house, I have met his mum, they are nice people.

“He will come in and make me a cup of tea and we will sit down and talk. He is a real, real good lad. The most important thing is that he has a God-given gift and he should squeeze the pips from it, and have a great, great career.

“Everything will follow, whether now, tomorrow or the next day. If he is playing well he will get the recognition – and the move. He wants to play for a top-four team.”

Victory lifted West Brom above a Palace side who have not won in 10 Premier League games stretching back to December 19. Berahino’s wonder strike after half an hour followed goals from Craig Gardner and Craig Dawson as the Baggies ran riot.

Palace midfielder Joe Ledley admitted: “In the first half the shape didn’t work and they took their chances well. We just didn’t work hard enough as a team.” The introduction of Yannick Bolassie – in place of the lacklustre Emmanuel Adebayor – changed things.

Connor Wickham scored twice, Palace were denied two strong penalty appeals and sub Mile Jedinak saw a header cleared off the line by Gardner in a compelling contest.

But Eagles boss Alan Pardew admitted: “This division is unforgiving and we have found that out.

“We need to put it right – either Tuesday night at Sunderland or Saturday against Liverpool, we need to get a win in one of those two games.”